STAWELL - Stawell's pocket rocket Chelsea Hall has been granted apprenticeship opportunity in conjunction with Racing Victoria's Apprentice Jockey Training Program.
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Already boasting a wealth of experience in the saddle, having ridden in gallops, jump outs and official trials, Chelsea Hall will now join Stawell trainers Terry and Karina O'Sullivan as an apprentice jockey.
Chelsea took part in a stringent selection process to gain entry into the program, which offers specialist learning in areas such as race riding, performance analysis, sports science and sports medicine, as well as media, finance and business skills.
The course, much like any other apprenticeship, will have a duration of four years helping hone her race riding skills, learn how to live, eat and train as professional athletes.
Racing Victora held an awards ceremony during the week to celebrate the achievements of all the jockeys that saw program graduate Chad Schofield attend.
Schofield won the Cox Plate aboard maiden galloper Shamus Award in 2013.
"The Apprentice Jockey Training Program has afforded me every opportunity to develop myself as an elite athlete," Schofield said.
"I look forward to one day riding against some of today's inductees."
Greg Carpenter, Racing Victoria's acting chief executive officer, said the program offered individuals the chance to develop their riding skills, and the opportunity to lay the foundations for a post-racing career.
"Racing Victoria are thrilled to be able to announce a record number of female inductees into Racing Victoria's Apprentice Jockey Training Program for 2014 after striving to increase engagement in racing and are committed to continuing to grow the level of female participation in the sport," he said.
Chelsea is set to commence her career in horse racing in approximately a month and couldn't be happier about it.
"I'm delighted to be accepted into the apprentice jockey program after applying last year and missing out," Chelsea said.
"Now 12 months later to be accepted, I'm excited about the future.
"I'm going to give it my best shot, I can't wait to see my name along side a horse on race day."